True Urgency

“These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.” – Hebrews 11:13

Set

As a college freshman on the team, I remember my senior teammates constantly reminding me, “It goes by so fast. Take it in!” As we got further into the season, I could see it in their eyes—they knew their time playing would soon be over. And three years later, I felt that same urgency.

The beautiful blessing in being followers of Jesus Christ is that we’re promised a “better place, a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16) when this life is over. We will dwell in the New Earth where “He (God) will live with them. They will be His people… He will wipe away every tear...” (Revelation 21:3–4). The people like Abraham in Hebrews 11 died in faith, knowing they were temporary residents on the earth who received the promise of heaven.

When we remember that our time on earth is short—that we will soon be with God in the perfect New Earth—we can live with confidence and urgency in the midst of the ups and downs of this life. As athletes and coaches, this confidence can help us do our best and make the most of the time we are given (Ephesians 5:15–16). We can focus on the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40), to love God and others, and on the Great Commission, “To go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18–20). What a way to live with true urgency!

Go

Do your choices and the way you live out your life reflect this eternal perspective?

How can you remember, and help others to remember, the importance of living with urgency?

Workout

Revelation 21:1–8

Matthew 22:37–40

Matthew 28:18–20

Overtime

Colossians 3:1–3

Father, show me how to live in the confidence of knowing a better place awaits with You and give me an urgency to live with purpose and love now. Amen.